Chin and Jawline Enhancement Surgery Atlanta

Our goal when augmenting the chin and jawline is to provide natural results that compliment the overall appearance of the face. Often times, facial symmetry may be made off-kilter by an overly prominent chin or a sunken chin. Either of these conditions can be restructured with chin enhancement surgery, known clinically as a mentoplasty. The jawline extends beyond the chin and marks the point of transition between the lower jaw and the neck region. If this contour is poorly formed in any way, it too can be enhanced through operation.

Both men and women desire a well-defined chin and jawline that clearly distinguishes between the face and the neck. Particularly in the case of patients with a small, receding chin, jawline enhancement is done together with a chin correction, since in most of these patients, a well-defined jaw-neck contour is usually absent.

Establishing the ideal jaw contour can be achieved with the insertion of an implant (silicone, Teflon, or Dacron) or by making a horizontal cut in the jawbone and sliding the separated bone into the desired position. The incisions are done either externally or hidden inside the mouth.

After the incision, Dr. Berhane will place the implants over the jawbone, increasing the dimensions and skillfully defining the shape of the chin and/or jawline. Some implants have wings on the end to further enhance the jowl and prejowl status. In these cases, an incision along the lateral portion of the periosteum of the chin is made; the wing of the implant is placed underneath this area while preserving the center portion.

During the procedure, the muscle sling under the chin can be tightened to eliminate any appearance of a double chin. The muscle-tightening procedure requires only a small incision behind the chin.

Chin implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and is performed in an accredited outpatient surgery center. The duration of the procedure can vary greatly, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to complete. If properly shaped and placed, the implant should last a lifetime.

Not every patient is a suitable candidate for a jaw or chin implant procedure. Patients with skin elasticity problems around the jawline due to previous cosmetic procedures may be advised not to undergo surgery. Also, patients who have used the anti-acne drug Accutane in the six months prior to the procedure may be at risk of developing keloid-like scarring around the incision area. Patients who have been diagnosed with an abnormally small jaw (micrognathia) or receding jawbone (retrognathia) are also not good candidates.

It’s important to note that the nose and chin are closely intertwined in terms of perception. For example, a small chin will make the nose appear more projected or large. The profile of a large chin, on the other hand, will make the nose seem smaller and more refined. So it is not uncommon for a patient to begin a consultation with a concern that their nose appears too large, and then a chin augmentation is suggested to improve the harmony of the facial silhouette. And just as an isolated chin augmentation can create beautiful facial proportions, rhinoplasty coupled with a chin augmentation often results in well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing facial contours. Contact us today for a consultation.